Automotive / Towing Accessories
Installation Manual for CURT 11475 Class I Trailer Hitch
Step-by-step installation guide for the CURT 11475 Class I Trailer Hitch on a Volkswagen Golf R. Includes tool requirements, exhaust lowering, fishwiring procedures, and torque specifications.
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This document provides installation instructions for the CURT 11475 Class I Trailer Hitch, designed for the 2017-Present Volkswagen Golf R. The installation requires basic mechanical skills and specific tools, including a die grinder to enlarge access holes. Always wear safety glasses during installation and ensure the vehicle's towing capacity is never exceeded.
Tools Required
- Ratchet
- 9-inch socket extension
- 13mm socket
- 3/4-inch socket
- Torque wrench
- Die grinder
Installation Steps
- Lower Exhaust: Remove the M8 bolts from the two rear exhaust hangers using a 13mm socket. Save the hardware for reinstallation. Removing an additional exhaust hanger may ease the process.
- Prepare Frame Rails: Use a die grinder to enlarge the access slot on each side of the frame rail to 1.125 inches.
- Fishwire Hardware: Fishwire the 1/2-inch carriage bolts and SP10 spacers through the access holes in the driver and passenger side frame rails.
- Reverse Fishwire: Reverse fishwire the 1/2-inch carriage bolts and SP10 spacers into position. Leave the fishwires attached. Disconnecting the active exhaust connector may ease installation.
- Mount Hitch: Raise the hitch into position, remove the fishwires, and loosely secure the hitch using the 1/2-inch flange nuts.
- Torque Hardware: Torque all 1/2-inch hardware to 110 ft-lbs.
- Reinstall Exhaust: Raise the exhaust back into position by reversing steps 1-3.
Towing Safety Information
Weight Ratings: The hitch is rated for a trailer weight of 2,000 lbs and a tongue weight of 200 lbs when used as a weight-carrying hitch.
Important Warnings:
- Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
- All non-trailer loads (wheel-less loads) must be supported by 18050 stabilizing straps. Failure to do so will void the product warranty.
- Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
Practical help
Common problems
Exhaust interference
Lower the exhaust by removing the rear hangers. Removing an additional hanger may provide extra clearance.
Access hole too small
Use a die grinder to enlarge the access slot on each side of the frame rail to 1.125 inches.
Hardware installation difficulty
Use the provided fishwire technique to pull carriage bolts and spacers through the frame rail.
Before use
- Verify vehicle compatibility (2017-Present VW Golf R).
- Ensure all required tools (die grinder, torque wrench, etc.) are available.
- Check that all fasteners are tight and structural components are sound.
- Confirm towing capacity does not exceed vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
- Wear safety glasses during the entire installation process.
Specs in practice
- Trailer Weight
- Maximum weight of the trailer and cargo is 2,000 lbs.
- Tongue Weight
- Maximum downward force on the hitch ball is 200 lbs.
Images and diagrams
- Fishwire Technique: Shows how to attach the fishwire to the carriage bolt and slide the spacer onto the wire to pull it through the frame rail.
- Hitch Illustration: Shows the orientation of the hitch relative to the vehicle frame rails.
Model compatibility
- Designed for Volkswagen Golf R (2017-Present).
- Not for non-trailer loads without 18050 stabilizing straps.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.